Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, which provide moisturizing and balancing properties. However, it also includes potentially harmful components such as DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Cocamide DEA, which has been linked to carcinogenic effects. The presence of synthetic fragrance and sodium chloride further detracts from its overall safety and health impact.
Key ingredients 19
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateVery Good
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its mildness and ability to cleanse without stripping natural oils. It is often used in sulfate-free formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps maintain the hair's natural moisture balance while cleansing.
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl IsethionateGood
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties. It is known for being less irritating than traditional sulfates.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a gentle cleansing action suitable for sensitive scalps.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps to maintain hydration and improve the texture of the hair. It is widely used in cosmetic formulations for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin.
Benefits
Helps to keep hair hydrated and soft.
Coconut OilGood
Coconut oil is a natural oil known for its conditioning and moisturizing properties. It helps to nourish and strengthen the hair. It is often used in hair care products for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft.
Risks
May cause buildup if not rinsed properly.
Benefits
Provides deep conditioning and improves hair strength.
Apple Cider VinegarGood
Apple cider vinegar is used for its ability to balance the scalp's pH and add shine to the hair. It is known for its antimicrobial properties. It can help to remove product buildup and clarify the hair.
Risks
May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Balances scalp pH and adds shine to hair.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-reactive.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.
Benefits
Water hydrates and helps distribute other ingredients evenly.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the hair. It is generally considered mild and non-irritating.
Risks
In some cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps to cleanse the hair without stripping natural oils.
Cocamide MIPANeutral
Cocamide MIPA is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It helps to stabilize foam and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Enhances the foaming properties of the shampoo.
Pyrithione ZincNeutral
Pyrithione Zinc is an active ingredient used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is effective in reducing flaking and itching associated with dandruff.
Risks
May cause irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
Helps to control dandruff and soothe the scalp.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
May cause dryness and irritation of the scalp.
Benefits
Helps to thicken the product for better application.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps to maintain product stability and pH balance.
Polyquaternium-10Neutral
Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent used to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It helps to reduce static and frizz. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.
Risks
May cause buildup if not rinsed thoroughly.
Benefits
Improves hair manageability and reduces frizz.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic products. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent them from affecting the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product stability and effectiveness.
Cocamide DEABad
Cocamide DEA is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects due to the presence of nitrosamines. Its use is restricted in some regions.
Risks
Potential carcinogenicity due to nitrosamine contamination.
Benefits
Improves foam stability and texture.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic products. It can be drying to the hair and scalp and may cause irritation. It is often criticized for its potential to cause allergic reactions.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Acts as a preservative to extend product shelf life.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
Potassium SorbateBad
Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, it can contain a mixture of undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its lack of transparency.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
DMDM HydantoinVery Bad
DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. It is used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. However, it has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects due to formaldehyde release.
Risks
Potential carcinogenicity due to formaldehyde release.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
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